Thomas French Fine Art
A native of Philadelphia, William C. Grauer (1895-1985) made a major impact on the Cleveland art scene during his 60 year career, as a painter, muralist and teacher. Grauer received his art education in Philadelphia at the Pennsylvania Museum School of Industrial Art. After his graduation in 1914, Grauer served in France during World War I. He settled in Cleveland in 1927, gaining instant notoriety in an already thriving art community as a free-lance artist. In that same year he met and married fellow Philadelphian and visionary artist Natalie Eynon, beginning a personal and professional partnership that thrived until Natalie’s death in 1955.
In 1932, the Grauer’s were invited to White Sulphur Springs, West Virignia to create murals for the President’s Cottage, the official summer residence of the President of the United States. White Sulphur Springs became their summer home from 1934-1940 as they established and ran the legendary Old White Art Colony, both the school and the gallery. William painted murals for the West Virginia exhibitions in both the Chicago Century of Progress (1933) and the 1939 New York World’s Fair.
During the late 1930’s, the couple also founded the Cleveland College of Art at Western Reserve University.Grauer’s distinctive style and technical virtuosity profoundly impacted the development of what is now known as the “Cleveland School,” as he moved increasingly towards abstraction. Retired from Western Reserve University in 1966, William Grauer continued to paint both in traditional and progressive styles. His work was consistently exhibited in the May Shows at the Cleveland Museum of Art.
These bright beautiful watercolors show the range of Mr. Grauer's talent and creativity.
untitled (Wrought Iron and Banana Plant)
By
William C. Grauer
untitled (Conversation in a Mexican Street)
By
William C. Grauer
untitled (Street Scene, Mexico)
By
William C. Grauer
untitled (Mexican Fishing Village)
By
William C. Grauer
untitled (Mexican Man with a Cane)
By
William C. Grauer
untitled (Fruit Vendor, Mexico)
By
William C. Grauer
untitled (Domed White Building)
By
William C. Grauer
Maine Lobster Fisherman
By
William C. Grauer
untitled (Mexican Market)
By
William C. Grauer
untitled (Driftwood)
By
William C. Grauer